The Dallas Cowboys are preparing for Week 1 against the New York Jets on the assumption TE Martellus Bennett (ankle) will not be available. The club's decision to keep TE Martin Rucker as a fourth tight end on the initial 53-man roster was a strong indication that Bennett would not be ready. The team will not rule out Bennett until later in the week, although it's unlikely he'll make enough progress to be cleared.

Philadelphia Eagles head coach Andy Reid said during his press conference Wednesday, Dec. 16, that TE Martin Rucker performed so well during practices that he deserved to be added to the active roster. Reid said Rucker is a very good receiver but was been working on his blocking since entering the league. Reid said Rucker did not make with the Cleveland Browns because the Browns could not wait for Rucker to develop.

The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports Cleveland Browns head coach Eric Mangini said he believes TE Martin Rucker is coming on. "He's going through the learning process and getting a lot of reps and learning the system," Mangini said. Mangini feels Rucker has made some solid progress in his blocking. Rucker has spent extra time working with a sled to improve as a blocker.